About Cafe Melisa

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The Social Security Administration recently released its list of most popular baby names in the U.S. for 2008. The names that topped the list? Emma for girls and Jacob for boys.

But, how about looking elsewhere -- like, outside of our own country -- for some baby name inspiration? According to the new, second edition of The Complete Idiot's Guide to 40,000 Baby Names (which, by the way, is chock full of fun lists), here are the most popular names in other countries around the world.

IntelliGender Prenatal

Gender Prediction Test

We posted a while back about the Pink or Blue Early Gender Test, which is available online with a whopping $240 price tag. The test claims high accuracy rates, but a doctor told us the DNA technology these tests use is potentially faulty and she bets their success in predicting correctly is less.

Now, here's another, more affordable version ...

Summer Infant

Inclined to Sleep Positioner, babiesrus

It's Take It or Leave It Tuesday. Up this week: a way to position baby while he sleeps. I used (and loved) my Miracle Blanket, but I never tried one of these for better baby sleep.

What about you? Are you registering for one?

Item: Summer Infant Inclined to Sleep Positioner

Cost: $25

What it does: It keeps baby sleeping on his back, as the AAP recommends. And a slight incline supposedly helps digestion.

Pros: Helps alleviate the back sleeping/tummy sleeping SIDS worry, and can make a tiny new baby in a big crib seem a little more snug.

Cons: Is it really necessary? And baby gets big fast -- this item will have a short life span.

Photo by Charbeat76

Ice cream -- yummm. So, what's your biggest pregnancy craving?

Photo by bam61907

We're following a first-time pregnant mom, Brittany (bam61907), on her exciting journey from bump to baby. Check back every Wednesday for the latest developments!

Week 33

What's Happening with Mom:

This week has been a roller coaster. Thursday evening I was shopping when I started to have bad contractions -- every 4 to 5 minutes and I had to stop to catch my breath.

I called labor and delivery, and the nurse told me to come in right away. When I got to the hospital, they hooked me up to check for the baby's heartrate and monitor the contractions.

"Well, you are definitely having contractions," the doctor said.

Now they were two minutes apart and coming on strong! The doctor checked everything that might explain early labor: my cervix (closed), a urine sample (negative), swabs for infection (negative), hydration (perfect).

Photo by Cafe Melisa

Let me just say -- you CafeMoms are awesome. I have so much enjoyed getting to know you, and have felt so lucky to be able to share your stories and photos and to cover the latest on pregnancy. That's what makes saying goodbye to you and Daily Buzz so hard!

But I'm moving on for the best reason -- to spend more time with my family. I'm sad to go, but excited, too.

I can't go, though, without giving a quick shout out to a few of you first....

Graco SnugFride Infant Car Seat Frame,

babiesrus, $70

Time for Take It or Leave It! Up today, a set of wheels for baby. I used the SnugRide Infant Car Seat Frame with both of my babies, and then switched to a lightweight stroller when they were older. What's your pick for baby's first ride?

Item: Graco SnugRide Infant Car Seat Frame

Cost: $70

What it does: It's one of the myriad stroller options you have. An infant car seat sits on top and locks into place -- move the seat back and forth from car to frame as you drive and stroll.

Pros: Baby faces you; the frame is lightweight and has an extra-large storage basket underneath.

Cons: This is one of those products that has a short life span -- before long, you'll have to buy another, front-facing stroller for your baby.

Photo by evaphi329

My original due date was July 14th. It came and went. A week went by, then another, and my midwife said two weeks was as late as she'd let me go. So we scheduled the induction for July 27th, 13 days past my due date and the day before my midwife (who I loved) was leaving for vacation.

I remember showing up at the hospital that morning and saying, so is this it? Will she be born today? And my midwife said, I can't promise you it will be today, but it will be today or tomorrow.

I was excited, of course, but it also felt kind of weird to know my daughter's birthday would be one of two days instead of the surprise that I had imagined it would be....

Photo by MalakiahsMommy

This sweet photo isn't an ultrasound pic but it wasn't long ago that the baby was still in utero -- it was taken at one week old!

There's nothing better, though, than getting sneak peeks at your babe while he's still in the belly. I didn't have a 3D ultrasound done, but I can see the appeal -- it's like a detailed advance preview of the little person who's about to change your life. And lots of CafeMoms are chatting about them.

What about you? Are you having a 3D or 4D ultrasound done?

Photo by rockerchic

Summer's awesome, but for pregos, the heat can pose some challenges.

If you're heading out of town for a few days with your hubby or SO for some pre-baby alone time (and I hope you are!), here are some tips on staying cool, comfy, and safe.